A young voice on the topic of rural depression

As the eastern states move deeper into drought, as the Federal Government considers its options for drought support, and state governments are forced to expand assistance packages, the issue of rural mental health is once again on the agenda.

But one young farmer, writer and rural commentator says he thinks the issue needs to be uppermost in people's minds all the time, not just during times of disaster or high stress.

Sam Trethewey comes from a strong farming family, he loves his farming life and he intends to continue to pursue it.

However he acknowledges that as a way of life for someone who has battled with depression, farming can be pretty tricky.

"You think about how much time farmers spend working by themselves; it can be a pretty solitary existence for much of the time.

"I know myself, I'll be working away by myself for hours and then my boss will call in to see me, and suddenly I'll notice that my energy levels go up, my mood improves - just because I've had that interaction, that feedback."

Sam says he has struggled with depression at various stages in his life, and it's through the mentoring, guidance and friendship of other people that he's found himself able to get on top of it and make the most of his talents and his interests.

"I guess my main message is about movement, stimulating movement.

"So, that's not just physical movement like deliberately exercising, but mental activity; so that's stuff like challenging your mind, exposing yourself to new things, to new ideas.

"Depression is a very lonely feeling, you get very locked up, you can't move; if you can change the way you can think about things, that provides a new way of looking at life."

Sam says while depression and anxiety are often spoken of more during times of drought or other disaster, he believes there should be a constant focus on improving farmer's mental health.

"You don't have to be in drought, or battling fires or floods to be depressed.

"It can be triggered by anything from poor commodity prices to a bad relationship.

"And I believe the secret to it is in constantly refreshing yourself."